Obama Speaks at Naturalization Ceremony

President Barack Obama addresses attendees during a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members and civilians in the East Room of the White House.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

I ... today ... European stocks ... in ... the house designed by ... Mercer ... we welcomed twenty eight men and women ... immigrants themselves ... who from this day forward have earned ... the precious right ... to call this country ... and I know this is an incredibly special moment for you and for your families ... but to say a special moment ... for the rest of us is well ... because as we look out across this world ... we're minded of what makes somebody American isn't just ... their bloodlines it's not just ... an accident of birth ... it's ... a Fidelity to our founding principles ... of faith ... in the idea that anyone ... anywhere ... can right the next great chapter ... in this American school ...